This English‑taught Master of Arts in the field of Business Administration combines academic theory with practical application to prepare students for management roles in international environments. The programme focuses on German business culture within a global context, helping students develop the analytical and interpersonal skills needed to operate across borders and organisational functions.
Students learn to lead and make decisions in multicultural settings, with an emphasis on negotiation, leadership and the ability to connect strategic thinking to everyday organisational practice. The course encourages an interdisciplinary outlook, so graduates can weigh economic, technical, social and cultural factors when solving business challenges. This practical, internationally oriented training is especially useful for those who plan to work with German firms or in multinational teams.
This four-semester MA program begins in the winter semester and is split between on-campus study in Dresden (semesters 1–2) and study abroad at a partner university (semesters 3–4). Teaching is delivered in modular form and entirely in English: each module involves four 45‑minute lectures per week plus a negotiated amount of independent study, and is worth 5 ECTS. One ECTS equals 30 hours of total workload, so students complete 30 ECTS (900 hours) each semester, including vacation and examination periods.
In the first semester students complete six compulsory modules that build core knowledge of German language, German business culture and introductory international business/management topics—equipping students to understand how German corporate practices interact with global markets. The second semester combines four compulsory modules with two electives chosen from a set of eight; additionally, two electives taught in German may be available for German‑speaking students. Elective offerings are determined by the Faculty Dean according to student demand and teaching capacity (see the module database, Modulux, for full descriptions).
The third semester is spent at a partner university abroad (allocation follows an established procedure managed by the International Office) where students complete 30 ECTS. Study plans are formalised in a learning agreement agreed with supervisors at both institutions. To prepare for the thesis, students complete a 3‑ECTS online module in Academic Research Skills. The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s thesis (27 ECTS), which concludes with an oral defence (viva voce). Key learning outcomes include intercultural competence, deep knowledge of German business practices, advanced international management skills, independent academic research and the ability to present and defend a major research project.
Requirements and key facts (concise)
This program requires applicants to hold a first university degree (Bachelor’s or Diploma) in International Management or a business administration-related subject that has a pronounced international focus. Your prior degree must correspond to 180 ECTS credits.
There are two possible GPA “bonus” adjustments that can improve your admission score: one for completing your Bachelor’s at a university outside Germany, and one for having a Bachelor’s program that was taught entirely in English. Both bonuses can be applied together, but they are only awarded if you supply the required supporting documents with your application. For details on the application process, consult the information page for international applicants.
Winter Semester (International)
15 June 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for managerial and specialist roles in international and transnational organisations where knowledge of German business culture and intercultural competence are important. Typical career paths include international management, consulting, export/import and corporate roles that require cross-cultural negotiation, decision-making and liaison between business units in different countries.
The programme's combination of academic research skills, practical project options and study abroad experience also supports careers in international project management, business development, and roles in companies seeking staff who can bridge cultural and organisational boundaries.
HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) — Berlin
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts — Dortmund
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode